ICON

An underwater shot of Amber Vallley ICON life saver Jayne Stallion in training.

ICON programme to close at end of 2016-17 period

The ICON programme - which has aimed to recognise, celebrate and support talented athletes from across Derbyshire in its seven years of existence - will be coming to a close at the end of the 2016-17 funding period in September.

Over the years, the scheme has been proud to help the likes of major medal winners Adam Peaty, Liam Pitchford, Caroline Povey, Lewis White, Molly Renshaw and Abbie Wood, to name but a few.

The decision has not been taken lightly, but made in view of the fact that Derbyshire Sport is no longer being funded to support elite sport, with the County Sports Partnership's new strategic plan having a much greater emphasis on participation in physical activity, particularly those currently inactive.

The programme will, of course, continue to provide online and social media PR coverage of successes until then, and athletes will be able to continue to use their local leisure passes/vouchers until their expiry date.